Teaching

I am a teacher of Psychology and teacher educator. I also have a strong interest in educational research, particularly in the areas of memory, social identity, and creativity.

I currently work on the PGDE teacher education programme at the University of Strathclyde, helping to develop new secondary school teachers. Prior to that, I taught Psychology in schools for 16 years, and have also taught English as a foreign language.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is typically defined as the scientific study of the human mind and human behaviour. As it covers all aspects of behaviour and interaction, the subject matter of Psychology is very broad, and there are interesting connections with both biological science, with philosophy, and with social sciences such as sociology, politics and economics.

BPS

The British Psychological Society is the learned society and professional body for my subject. I am very pleased to have been appointed to their Standing Committee on Pre-Tertiary Education (SCoPTE).

Writing

I have two forthcoming collaborative writing projects, both on education. I will be writing a chapter for the UK version of Flip the System - I am delighted to be contributed to this exciting project. I have another project in the pipeline - details hopefully to be announced soon.

I am also working with Anna Beck, also of Strathclyde University, to look at issues of teacher professionalism as regards awareness of cognitive psychology. Anna is a visiting researcher at our school.

Memory researcher symposium

The applications of long-term memory to education are widely studied in the North America but less so here in the UK. I am in the initial stages of organising a symposium on the topic for interested teachers and academics, with a view to establishing a research network. Please contact me if you are interested in getting involved.

New collaborations

I am open to new collaborations. Please get in touch via the contact form on this site if you have a project idea that you think I might be interested in.

CPD

I am available to speak at conferences or to deliver talks/workshops at CPD events.

My main areas of interest and expertise include:

- Human memory, and its role in teacher professionalism.

- Teacher research, and research collaboration between schools & universities.

- Blogging and homework.

- The role of psychology/social sciences in the curriculum, including psychological literacy and the role of the social sciences in preparing learners for challenges.

Please use the contact form if you wish to enquire; a list of my publications and previous talks can be found here.

Tutoring

I am available for a limited amount of tutoring each year - I'd welcome any enquiries. I can tutor via Skype if necessary, and have tutored internationally.

Courses that I have tutored:

- Higher Psychology

- National 5 Psychology

- GCSE Psychology

More information

Please use the contact form in the first instance, to check availability and arrange mutually convenient times. It will then be possible to pay via my commerce page on this site. My rates are competitive and reflect my many years of experience in teaching the subject.

Consultancy

Psychology School Courses

Psychology at school is universally popular - once introduced, the courses never struggle to attract pupils! Learners from the start of secondary school - and even earlier - can benefit from learning about human behaviour. It will help them to understand themselves and others, and to develop key life skills. It is also a fascinating context in which to learn about and conduct research.

Please get in touch if you are a school leader that plans to begin offering the subject. I can help with all stages of course development.

Raising Attainment

How can pupils learn better? My research is entirely focused on this problem. In particular, I can advise both schools and individuals about how to study more effectively, and I can help schools to implement study skills programmes that are evidence-based and actually work!

Syllabus Design

I have been closely involved in the design and revision of several school-level psychology courses, and have also worked for many years as a teacher and examiner. I would be happy to provide professional consultation on new courses.

Mentoring

I often mentor other psychology teachers, either formally or informally - generally free of charge. Please get in touch if you are new to psychology teaching.